On Tuesday, we covered claims from Spain that Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino considers Arsenal as the best destination. It was also said the Gunners would focus on him once they sign Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori.
The La Liga side are looking to sell the midfielder this summer, after his refusal to extend the deal beyond 2025.
Mundo Deportivo say the 28-year-old is keeping an eye on Arsenal and Barcelona.
Merino, who won the Euro 2024 with Spain, is scheduled to return to La Real on August 5th. Despite earlier claims that he prefers the Gunners, the newspaper states his agent hasn’t made advances with any of the interested parties so far.
Barca have identified the Spain international as a major target, taking into account his qualities and asking price. The former Newcastle United man has two more options, the north London club and an unnamed Bundesliga side.
Mundo state Arsenal are ‘very interested in hiring’ Merino, and to do that they are ‘willing to pay’ €30m in one go. This is what La Real want, while the Catalan club are looking to offer it in instalments.
The player ‘doesn’t rule out’ a return to England, but he hasn’t given the ‘definitive yes’ to Mikel Arteta’s side or another club.
Atlético Madrid have also shown interest in Merino, and today’s edition of AS says Arsenal’s interest makes it complicated for Los Rojiblancos to sign him.
